Where's the friendship, love and truth?

I write in reference to the decision by the board of directors of the IOOF NSW Friendly Society Ltd to attempt to sell the Ettalong Homes Centre.

As to the "why" of this decision, the Board stressed their only concern was financial.

They may have a point.

Unfortunately, progress does not always bring improvement.

It may be inevitable that the Homes Centre will go on to bigger and better things.

But my concerns are the interpretations of the "how" and the "when" of this decision to sell.

There were none.

It was so badly managed that the future of the IOOF Lodge and the principles of Friendship, Love and Truth to which all members pledge to obey, are no longer looked at in the same way.

For 175 years, the Lodge has gone along quietly, but strongly, supporting local township groups and doing good for others (particularly in aged homes).

Suddenly, a minority group of all-powerful directors (all Lodge Members) took it on their own bat to make the "why" announcement verbally to the centre residents.

The statement as read made no reference to the "how" and "when" to sell.

So those shaken residents who could still stand and speak asked questions.

Instead of saying at this time that they could not answer any questions because they were simply not prepared enough, the board answered off the top of their heads.

The following are sections of answers.

"If a developer purchases the property, you could possibly have 14 days to move out, but then again that would depend on the developer.

"We can't say for sure."

"From July 1, we must pay extra tax. It would be good if we could sell the centre before then."

You can imagine if taken only slightly out of context, what effect these answers did have on some who are partly deaf, bewildered, aged and frail people.

Since that fateful day (February 7), absolutely no reassurance or explanation in writing has been offered.

A copy of the "statement as read" was requested but, although they said they would send one, nothing was forthcoming.

Although one Government Department has bent over backwards to explain us our rights, and help us, what is to be our fate?

So far six residents have moved, three have been hospitalised, and local chemists are doing a roaring trade in anti-depressants.

Finally, I would like to point out how several generations of Lodge Members and the community in general, gave their time and money effortlessly in the hope that this Homes Centre would give residents a roof over their heads for the remainder of their life.

Marjorie Cleere, IOOF residents' committee, Ettalong